Control device for vehicles

Abstract

A control device is disclosed for vehicles, in particular towing vehicles used for agricultural purposes which have a mounting located near the front of the armrest of the driver's seat for a group of control members used to control various functions of the vehicle. A group of control members consisting of a plurality of switches or buttons and a manually-operated lever are provided to minimize fatigue when the vehicle driver is seated for a long period of time. A hand support is also included near the control members to support the palm of the vehicle driver's hand. The switches or buttons and lever are arranged so that the switches or buttons can be reached and operated comfortably with the outstretched fingers and the switching lever is located between the thumb and index finger, while the hand is resting on the hand support.

I claim: 
     
       1. A control device for controlling functions related to the operation of a motor vehicle having an operator's seat and an armrest positioned horizontally adjacent to said operator's seat for supporting an arm of an operator in an elevated horizontal position adjacent said operator's seat, said armrest having a top surface defining a horizontal plane, said control device comprising: a mounting carried by said armrest for allowing the operator to control said functions related to the operation of said motor vehicle;   said mounting comprising a palm support having an upwardly convex surface extending above said horizontal plane generally following the shape of a sphere, said palm support encompassing a minor portion of a sphere;   said upwardly convex surface having a periphery abutting said mounting;   a plurality of manual control members carried by said mounting for controlling said functions related to the operation of said motor vehicle.   
     
     
       2. The control device of claim 1, said manual control members further including a lever. 
     
     
       3. The control device of claim 1, wherein said manual control members include a recessed button for controlling a function related to the operation of said vehicle. 
     
     
       4. The control device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of manual control members are carried by the periphery of said palm support. 
     
     
       5. The control device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of manual control members are carried adjacent the periphery of said palm support so that they may be manipulated by the operator when the fingers of an operator's hand are extended along said palm support. 
     
     
       6. The control device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of manual control members are carried by said palm support.